WarrenF
Gold Member
First of all I don't know where people get the crazy ideas that Dish and Directv are owned by the same company. That would take Federal approval...remember when Dish was trying to buyout Directv.
Second, I have spent more than fifteen years selling, installing, and servicing both. I have also been a consumer of both. Here is my opinion. Dealing with both from a technician, and a consumer....they are both terrible to work with. However, it is my opinion that Directv has the better package for HDTV, and also for sports. I have found that Directv does have a better presence when it comes to replacing defective equipment.
The other fallacy that has been presented here is this....that DishNet sells you the receivers and Directv leases them....THEY BOTH LEASE THE EQUIPMENT. You may own your current equipment but once you upgrade with any company you will in fact be leasing.
Eddie...please listen to me on this. When you upgrade to HDTV with either company it is very important that you make sure the installer upgrades your cable to 3ghz solid copper cable. It is also very important to make sure that the system is grounded to the house ground. If you don't pay attention to those details you will have glitches and exasperating moments. Also pay attention to the connectors being used. Some may still try to install CRIMP ON connectors. What MUST be used is compression connectors. This point is easy to tell....or just ask.
Finally, don't buy based on a "good deal." At the end of the day you will pay about the same for either systems monthly fee.
Second, I have spent more than fifteen years selling, installing, and servicing both. I have also been a consumer of both. Here is my opinion. Dealing with both from a technician, and a consumer....they are both terrible to work with. However, it is my opinion that Directv has the better package for HDTV, and also for sports. I have found that Directv does have a better presence when it comes to replacing defective equipment.
The other fallacy that has been presented here is this....that DishNet sells you the receivers and Directv leases them....THEY BOTH LEASE THE EQUIPMENT. You may own your current equipment but once you upgrade with any company you will in fact be leasing.
Eddie...please listen to me on this. When you upgrade to HDTV with either company it is very important that you make sure the installer upgrades your cable to 3ghz solid copper cable. It is also very important to make sure that the system is grounded to the house ground. If you don't pay attention to those details you will have glitches and exasperating moments. Also pay attention to the connectors being used. Some may still try to install CRIMP ON connectors. What MUST be used is compression connectors. This point is easy to tell....or just ask.
Finally, don't buy based on a "good deal." At the end of the day you will pay about the same for either systems monthly fee.